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This year there is one last chance to cast your line without a fishing license in a California river, lake or bay, and it will be on Saturday, August 31st.
Free Fishing Day allows the public to fish without a fishing license throughout the state. Earlier this summer, on July 6, anglers without a fishing license were able to enjoy the first of two days of free fishing.
Free fishing day is an inexpensive opportunity to try out a new hobby. For licensed anglers, it’s a great opportunity to introduce or re-introduce someone to the joys of fishing – seeing the bobber suddenly wiggle and then disappear from view; feeling the thump of a bass as it snatches the worm at the end of the line; or catching a big trout as it’s hauled into the boat.
The free fishing days are also an ideal opportunity for former anglers to unpack their fishing rods and equipment and get back to the sport.
Children under 15 can fish for free year-round in California, but Free Fishing Days provide an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the hobby together.
If you want to fish in California’s lakes, streams and rivers, you can find information about inland fishing spots and species on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website. Information is also available on year-round free fishing opportunities at certain piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast. Other helpful tools for anglers include the Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) program resources, the Fishing Guide and the Fish Planting Schedule(opens in new tab).
Throughout the Golden State, anglers can expect waters filled with catch-sized fish stocked by CDFW fish hatchery staff.
These waters include the Owens River in Inyo County, Reyes Creek in Ventura County, the San Joaquin River in Madera County, Huntington Lake in Fresno County, Twin Lakes in Mono County, Halsey Forebay in Placer County, Lake Davis in Plumas County, and Baum Lake in Shasta County.
CDFW’s Fishing in the City program also offers a number of opportunities. It focuses on teaching Californians how and where to fish in metropolitan areas. General information about the Fishing in the City program can be found on the CDFW website.
CDFW recommends that prospective anglers check the rules and regulations for each body of water they plan to fish. All fishing regulations such as catch and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing times and river closures remain in effect.
For new anglers who have entered the sport of fishing, it is easy to obtain a sport fishing license(opens in new tab) online. Revenue from license sales helps maintain fish populations and habitat while safeguarding California’s long-standing fishing opportunities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. For more information on licenses, validations and fees, visit the CDFW Sport Fishing Licenses webpage.
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